Liverpool should hijack Dortmund’s Thorgan Hazard deal

There’s just something about the name, it seems. In a summer set to be defined, in transfer market terms, by Eden Hazard and his expected move to Real Madrid from Chelsea, the Belgian isn’t the only member of his family to be on the move. Indeed, Eden’s younger brother Thorgan Hazard is also the subject of much speculation.

The 26-year-old admitted last week that he has agreed personal terms on a move to Borussia Dortmund, meaning the two clubs must now come to a financial agreement to make the deal official. That last step might be the most difficult one, though. Borussia Monchengladbach won’t be keen to sell their best player to one of their biggest rivals.

Liverpool should make the most of this opportunity to hijack Dortmund’s deal for Hazard. The Belgian international might not be good enough to command a starting place in Jurgen Klopp’s team, but he would give the Reds the sort of depth they need.

Assuming Liverpool don’t lose one of either Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah, Hazard would be a substitute at Anfield. But he would be more than that. Under Klopp, the Reds have made great progress over the past few years, particularly over the last two seasons. But they cannot afford to be complacent.

Manchester City will spend again this summer and so Liverpool must keep up. City already hold an advantage in the myriad of attacking options they boast. When Raheem Sterling is injured or is in need of a rest, they have Leroy Sane to step in. When David Silva is out, they have Bernardo Silva. And Riyad Mahrez.

Some competition for the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mane and Salah would be healthy, would help keep them sharp. If Liverpool are to miss out on the Premier League title this season, as looks likely at this moment, their development won’t yet be complete. They mustn’t rest in their progression.

With Klopp at the helm, Liverpool have acted boldly, spending money where it needed to be spent. When they needed a centre back, they signed Virgil Van Dijk. When they needed a goalkeeper, they signed Alisson Becker. Next season, they must broaden their attacking options and Hazard would fit the bill. His move to Dortmund hasn’t been rubber-stamped yet. There is still an opportunity for the Reds there.

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